Reference Centre
Language, when you need it
Search concise B2 First grammar, vocabulary, functional phrases and exam strategy — without leaving the course to hunt through past lessons.
Practise thisOpen cloze — grammar words under pressureKey word transformations — 10 extra itemsCommon errors — spot and fixExtra Practice
What it is
Structures for expressing regret, dissatisfaction or a complaint about something you cannot change.
Form
| Type | Pattern | Model sentence |
|---|---|---|
| Present regret | wish/if only + subject + past simple | I wish I had more time. |
| Past regret | wish/if only + subject + past perfect | I wish I had booked earlier. |
| Complaint | wish/if only + subject + would + V | I wish they would stop shouting. |
| Negative | wish + subject + didn't / hadn't + V | I wish I hadn't said that. |
| Question | Do you ever wish (that) + clause? | Do you ever wish you lived abroad? |
Use it when
- You regret a present situation you can't change.
- You regret a past decision or action.
- You complain about someone else's repeated behaviour.
Examples
- I wish I spoke better German.
- If only we had left ten minutes earlier.
- I wish it would stop raining.
- She wishes she hadn't taken the job.
Watch out
I wish I would be taller.
I wish I were taller.
Use would only for other people's annoying behaviour.
I wish I studied harder last year.
I wish I had studied harder last year.
Past regret needs the past perfect.
Remember
Now → one tense back. Then → two tenses back. Someone else → would.
Quick check
- 1.I wish I ___ (know) the answer.
- 2.If only he ___ (not / tell) her.